Whats needed for real id in illinois

Q: What do I need for a REAL ID?

Visit your states drivers licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

A trip to renew your state ID or driver’s license can be a confusing experience. Here is what you need to know before you go to get a REAL ID.

Table of Contents Show

What documents do I need to get REAL ID in Illinois?
What do I need for a REAL ID?
Do I need an Illinois REAL ID to fly?
What is the cost for a REAL ID in Illinois?

Residents around the state have encountered confusion at Secretary of State Driver Services Facilities when they have gone to upgrade to the federally compliant REAL ID. Workers at the facilities have offered differing answers about what documents are acceptable to get the ID.

To help untangle the conflicting information, the Illinois Policy Institute compiled this guide to clarify what documents are needed. Additional questions should be directed to the Illinois Secretary of State by calling 800-252-8980, which is toll-free within Illinois, or by checking the state’s REAL ID website.

What is the REAL ID and why do I need it?

The REAL ID is a driver’s license or state ID that is compliant with the REAL ID Act Congress passed in 2005 at the recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. All states are required to offer IDs upgraded to the new standard.

The REAL ID will be needed starting Oct. 1 to fly domestically or visit military bases and other secure federal facilities. If you have a valid passport, you can use it for identification instead of a REAL ID.

How do I know if I have a REAL ID?

The Illinois REAL IDs have a star in a gold circle at the top right corner to show they are federally compliant. You can still get a regular ID, but it will say “Federal Limits Apply” at the top and you will not be able to use it for the above-mentioned purposes.

What do I need to do to get one?

The Secretary of State outlines steps and acceptable documents on its website, but here is a summary.

Visit a Secretary of State Driver Services Facility.
Provide a document identifying yourself. Acceptable documents include:
- Birth certificate (if your current name is different, a name change document such as a marriage certificate also is required)
- U.S. passport or passport card
- Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the U.S. Department of State
- Certificate of citizenship from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Certificate of naturalization
- Employment authorization document
- Foreign passport with a valid U.S. visa
Provide proof of your Social Security number. This can be done with a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with the full number on it.
Provide two current residency documents with your full name on them. This can include:
- A bank statement or canceled check dated within 90 days of your application
- A credit card statement (Note: Some Secretary of State employees have told people this is the same as a bank statement and is not acceptable. However, a credit card statement is acceptable even if you also are providing a bank statement from the same place).
- A school report card or certified transcript
- Credit reports from Experian, Equifax or TransUnion within the past 12 months
- Deed/title, mortgage or rental/lease agreement
- Insurance policy
- Letter on official school letterhead dated within 90 days of your application
- Medical claim or statement from a private or public insurance company dated within 90 days of your application
- Pay stub
- Official mail from the federal, state, county or local government
- Pension or retirement statement
- Official mail from a college or university within the past year
- Utility bill within the past 90 days
- Voter registration card
Provide proof of signature. This can be done with a credit/debit card, canceled check or current ID.
Look for your new ID in the mail within 15 business days. You will be given a temporary paper ID when you leave the facility.

Can I fly with the temporary paper ID?

No, you cannot. Other documentation such as a passport would be necessary.

What does it cost?

The fee to get a REAL ID is $30, the same as a regular driver’s license or ID. However, there is a surcharge if you are paying with a card.

What if my current ID doesn’t need to be renewed? Can I still get a REAL ID?

Yes, you can still apply for the REAL ID but there will be a $5 change fee. If your license does not expire for more than a year, the REAL ID will still have the same expiration date.

Beginning May 7, 2025, you will need to show a REAL ID-compliant document to board a plane for domestic travel or to enter certain federal facilities, military bases, and nuclear power plants.

If your license or ID is not REAL ID compliant, you may show another REAL ID document, such as a valid U.S. passport or passport card.

You can still use your valid, unexpired standard license or ID as legal identification for cashing checks, renting vehicles, purchasing alcohol and tobacco, or entering casinos after May 7, 2025. A standard license or ID will have "Not for Federal Identification" printed on it.

What documents do I need to get REAL ID in Illinois?

REAL ID Checklist.

Step 1 of 6: Proof of Identity, Date of Birth and U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Status. ... .

Step 2 of 6: Check Your Name. ... .

Step 3 of 6: Proof of Your Full Social Security Number (SSN) ... .

Step 4 of 6: Provide Proof of Residency. ... .

Step 5 of 6: Written Signature. ... .

Step 6 of 6: Get Your Documents..

What do I need for a REAL ID?

Visit your state's driver's licensing agency website to find out exactly what documentation is required to obtain a REAL ID. At a minimum, you must provide documentation showing: 1) Full Legal Name; 2) Date of Birth; 3) Social Security Number; 4) Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and 5) Lawful Status.

Do I need an Illinois REAL ID to fly?

Valid Illinois DL/IDs will be accepted by the TSA to board domestic flights until May 3, 2023. After that date, you must have a REAL ID DL/ID, U.S. passport or passport card, military ID or other federally approved document to board domestic flights.

What is the cost for a REAL ID in Illinois?

The fee to get a REAL ID is $30, which is the same as a regular driver's license or ID. If you recently renewed your license or if your license does not expire for over one more year, you can apply for a REAL ID and pay a $5 fee. Your REAL ID expiration date will remain the same as your original license.